'Never Too Late' dinner theater opens Nov. 18 in Canastota

CANASTOTA -- The Present Company Production will present the dinner theater "Never Too Late," by Sumner Arthur Long, at the Rusty Rail Party House, Route 5.

Harry Lambert, a man in his 50s, suddenly learns he is becoming a father again. His last child, Kate, was born 24 years ago, and since he is not happy with his present son-in-law, he finds the prospect of another child unthinkable.

Kate and her husband Charlie live with Harry, and his previously meek wife Edith begins to lay down the law. There's to be a nursery, a new bath, and she discovers that she can use and have his checking account. Edith can faint at the drop of a hat if she finds she cannot get through to her husband.

Everyone is after Harry, for one thing or another. He owns a lumber business with his nitwit son-in-law. Harry and Charlie are always at each other's throats.

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Charlie's wife, Kate, is overworked at doing dishes, cleaning the house and insists that the household needs a maid. In the meantime Edith's best girlfriend, Grace Kimbrough, picks up the pieces when things go wrong, and is at Edith's side when things get bad.

A policeman breaks up the domestic quarreling when things get steamed up at the Lambert's, and the mayor who lives next door makes his presence known about the noise, as he also confronts Harry and his son-in-law. Mr. Foley, the carpenter, and Dr. Kimbrough complete the cast

The show runs two weekends in November: Thursday, Nov. 18, Friday, Nov. 19, Saturday, Nov. 20 and Sunday, Nov. 21. The second weekend the play will be on Saturday, Nov. 27 and Sunday, Nov. 28, after Thanksgiving.

Evening dinner and performances are at 7 p.m. for dinner and 8:30 for the show. Matinee dinner and performances are at 1 p.m. for dinner and 2:30 for the show.

Three matinees are being offered: Saturday, Nov. 20, Sunday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 28. On Saturday, Nov. 20 a matinee and evening performance will be offered.

Call 363-8010 or 697-7929 for reservations. Adults dinner and theatre prices are $29, seniors and students are $27. Theatre only costs are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Group rates are available. If people attending bring two canned goods, they may deduct $1 from their show ticket.

Tickets may be purchased at the box office or from the cast or by calling Maria Curley at 363-8010.

The talented cast members are in order of appearance: Anita Thibado as Grace Kimbrough, Edith's best friend; Dennis Willard, playing Harry Lambert, the expectant father; Kathy Cooney is Edith Lambert, the expectant mother; David Tester plays Harry's dear friend, Dr. James Kimbrough; Jim Hurd is cast as Charlie, Harry's son-in-law; Meghan Mau is the daughter of Edith and Harry and the wife of Charlie: Jay Belisle plays Mr. Foley, the friendly carpenter; Tom Cooney again makes an appearance as Mayor Crane, having played the part previously and Tim Rowlands is seen as the very patient policeman. The cast represents many parts of the area, including Oneida, Canastota, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Syracuse and Utica.